On August 21st, 2017, most of North America will experience a solar eclipse, with a select area experiencing a total solar eclipse. To learn more about what an eclipse is, and how to safely view this event, we spoke with museum astrophysicist Jackie Faherty.

Four days. More than 40 international nonfiction films and stories. The Museum’s film festival honoring legendary anthropologist Margaret Mead returns this fall with special programs, art installations, a Mead Mixed Media Lounge, and more.

A total solar eclipse is a singularly magnificent phenomenon. See how the Great American Eclipse on August 21, 2017, appears from various vantage points on Earth, and watch it from space as the shadow sweeps across the continent.

The Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences at the American Museum of Natural History holds seminars on most Thursdays during the academic year. Please refer to the current schedule for more details.